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Development of a reading speed test for potential-vision measurements
D B Elliott1, B Patel, D Whitaker
1Department of Optometry, University of Bradford, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD7 1DP, United Kingdom. d.elliott1@bradford.ac.uk
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|June 30, 2001
Summary
Optimal reading speed is a viable vision test for post-cataract surgery patients, unaffected by cataracts but significantly reduced in age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). This reading speed test can assess potential vision effectively.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Vision Science
Background:
- Optimal reading speed is a key indicator of visual function.
- Previous research indicates reading speed is preserved in cataract but diminished in age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential of an optimal reading speed test for assessing vision after cataract surgery.
- To differentiate visual function between cataract, ARMD, and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Nineteen cataract patients, 15 ARMD patients, and 13 controls read word charts to determine critical print size and optimal reading speed.
- Tests were conducted with standard and reversed-contrast charts, with and without pupillary dilation.
Main Results:
- Cataract patients showed reduced acuity but maintained optimal reading speed (approx. 100 wpm), similar to controls.
- ARMD patients exhibited significantly slower optimal reading speeds (approx. 39 wpm).
- Reversed-contrast charts offered minimal improvement for cataract patients.
Conclusions:
- Optimal reading speed is a promising metric for a vision test, particularly for post-cataract surgery evaluation.
- The test is recommended to use text size of at least 1.2 logMAR with standard black-on-white contrast.
- Pupillary dilation is not necessary for this vision assessment.